Detrimental Effects of Gestational Exposure to 900mhz Electromagnetic Fields Emitted by Cellular Phone on Litter Size and Secondary Sex-ratio in Syrian Hamsters (Mesocricetus Auratus)

Detrimental effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) on reproduction and secondary sex-ratio were reported in literatures. The aim of this study was to investigation on hazardous cell phones EMF effects preor during pregnancy on litter size and sex-ratio. Ninety two months old Syrian hamsters (45 male and 45 female) with same weight (150-160 g) was provided. Fifteen female hamsters served for each of three experimental groups; group1 or control (without exposure to EMF), group2 (females in exposure to cell phone EMFs 20-day pre-pregnancy) and group3 (females in exposure to cell phone EMFs during pregnancy). The exposures were performed 1 h/d to a 900 MHz EMF emitted by cellular phones at aquarium-like glass cages include cellular phone (Sony Ericsson® K750i, specifics: ON, SAR: 0.66w/kg), covered by aluminum sheet. All of male hamsters for mating with experimental females were kept far of any stress and EMF. After littering, litter size and sex-ratio of weaned litters were determined. Group3 had significant lowest litter size (14, 15 and 9 respectively for group1, 2 and 3) and secondary sex-ratio in comparison with control and group2 (74.7, 56.7 and 34.2% respectively for group1, 2 and 3). Regardless to similarity between groups for weaning ratio of litters, maternal exposure to 900 MHz EMF especially during pregnancy had negative effects on litter size and their sex-ratio. Sex-ratio skewing to female was observed in both exposed groups (preor during pregnancy). It is concluded, gestational exposure to 900 MHz EMF (cellular phones EMF) may reduce litter size and secondary sex ratio in hamsters, but pre-gestational exposing cannot.